Statement by Senators McCain and Shaheen on Congress Passing Iraq Visa Legislation

Statement

U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today released the following statement after Congress sent President Obama their legislation extending the Special Immigrant Visa Program for Iraqi citizens who assisted U.S. troops during the Iraq War. The legislation was passed unanimously by the Senate on Tuesday and by the House last night.

"Extending the Iraq Special Immigrant Visa Program will help those who helped us during a time of war," said Senators McCain and Shaheen. "Brave Iraqis who risked their lives to protect and assist American troops are now living under the threat of retribution from terrorists and militants as a result. The United States has a moral obligation to help those Iraqis who stood with our troops.

"Despite the dysfunction that has taken hold of Washington today, this legislation demonstrates that Congress can still work together to uphold our country's promises and commitments. We are deeply grateful for the efforts of Senators Patrick Leahy, Lindsey Graham and Chuck Grassley, and for the critical support that our colleagues on both sides of the Capitol, especially House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, have shown to sustain this vital program."

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